You can make chocolate Valentine’s Day treats in 15 minutes! The legend of St. Valentine makes us softies want to give a friend or loved one something sweet to show affection. Chocolate and berries are classic and have some health benefits that will motivate you such as boosting endorphin production (that acts as a stimulant within the body) and increasing serotonin (the happy hormone). Dark chocolate along with wine and fruit (perfect compliments to your treats) contain antioxidants which are known to prevent aging. How? Well, antioxidants neutralize the free radicals (those toxins that attack healthy cells and make illnesses progress in the body).
To make chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries, nuts, etc…purchase a decorative box or small colored bags from a craft store to present your gift. Gather one 10 oz. package of dark chocolate morsels or chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or substitute vegetable oil, and your treats (pretzel sticks, almonds, potato chips, bananas or strawberries are prefect). Get baking sheets, wax paper, and as a bonus buy some colored sprinkles too. Method: Line the baking sheets with the wax paper. Microwave the chocolate and coconut oil in microwave safe bowl on ‘medium –high (70%) power for 45 seconds; stir – microwave an additional 15 seconds until melted. Dip your treats into melted chocolate (tilting the bowl helps). Place on prepared baking sheets. If you are adding sprinkles dip the wet chocolate covered treat right into the pile of sprinkles and put on the prepared wax paper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Then start the love.
